Review of Horimiya

Finished. 4.5/10. As many rom-com animes come and go, many people laud Horimiya as one of the best rom-coms you must absolutely watch. Perhaps they're right, perhaps they're wrong. As for me... it's not really. Horimiya's plot revolves around two unlikely people who might get together with contrasting personalities. On one hand you've got Hori Kyoko, who is an outstanding student and is everything a student aspires to be: good grades, beautiful looks, and unfazing personality. On the other is Miyamura Izumi: gloomy, rarely standing out, and mediocre when it comes to academics. The thing is this anime is very predictable, something that is unfortunately common with alot of rom-coms. The whole "two person with incompatible personalities" is used throughout the anime, and it is painfully obvious that both Hori and Miyamura are going to be a couple. It might have its moments, but even those don't bump the quality of the plot. No noteworthy moments come to mind (aside from one or two, and even those I barely remember), and there isn't a lot to be praised for its story.

Another thing I find gripe on this anime is it doesn't live up to the 'com' in the 'rom-com' tag. It's full of romantic moments, but rarely any of the comedic moments I was hoping for. Perhaps the focus of the two main protagonist's romantic journey was the goal of the story, but I would've forgiven it if they weren't dull or predictable. Even showing that the main couple have a more eccentric side to their personalities, I just can't find myself to be engaged to their boring chemistry, as there aren't anything that I find compelling about these characters.

Technical-wise, it's probably one saving grace is the art of the characters, as well as the animation. Music wasn't anything special, and just like the anime as a whole, was average.

Overall, there isn't a lot I can give praise for this anime. Perhaps if I decide to do a rewatch in the future, then I might change this rating. But for now, that is all there is to it.